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SOUTH African Rugby Union president Regan Hoskins told the parliamentary portfolio committee on sport and recreation that the Southern Kings were included in Super rugby to ?boost transformation?.
Hoskins and Saru CEO Jurie Roux were among several rugby leaders who met with the governmental sports watchdog to discuss transformation in general, which encompassed a discussion on the Kings? controversial inclusion in next year?s Super Rugby tournament.
?The reason our organisation took this bold decision to include the Kings in Super rugby is transformation,? Hoskins said.
?We mustn?t forget that as Saru we are aware of the dynamics of rugby and what is expected of our sport in terms of transformation. We can talk about transforming the administration and grassroots rugby and that?s all important, but we took the decision on the Kings because we know the country wants us to transform rugby.
?Black rugby players traditionally come from the Eastern Cape. It?s been a huge step because we believe a franchise in the Eastern Cape will be a massive boost to black players in the region, who can come through the ranks and play for the Springboks.
?We can?t wave a magic wand to transform rugby, but we can boost transformation in rugby by having a franchise in the Eastern Cape. We ask all South Africans to bear with us, because it will be in the best interests of rugby.
?It will be a painful process over the next year, but it?s been done with sincerity. All 14 provinces agreed to this decision without exception.?
The Kings are the only franchise guaranteed their place in next year?s tournament as Saru and the various stakeholders wrestle with a way to accommodate the five existing franchises in four available places.
On Monday, several proposals to find a solution to the impasse were accepted and will now go to the executive council for consideration before being presented to the general council for ratification.
?It?s a simple fact that the Kings will play next year and what we are now debating is to how to accommodate the other five franchises,? Roux said.
?The Kings will play, but not at the cost of South African rugby, or of the other five franchises. We are trying to resolve the issues surrounding those franchises, or franchise, that won?t be part of Super rugby next year.?
Critics have used the Kings? failure to win at Vodacom Cup and Currie Cup first division as proof that they will be an embarrassment in Super rugby, but Roux defended their performances.
?The Kings have recruited according to their budget and according to the competition they play in. The Kings have been playing in the Vodacom Cup,? Roux said.
?Their budget reflects the structure they?re in, but with Super rugby it will change. Now that they have been guaranteed a franchise it immediately means they can secure lucrative sponsorships and sign a better calibre of player and compete. That?s the reality of the professional world.?
via www.sportlive.co.za
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